LED Lighting offers many advantages. They consume less electricity than traditional bulbs and also last much longer. Plus, they are not harmful to the environment, something that you cannot say about incandescent bulbs because they have mercury. No wonder than 18% of UK homes are using LED light bulbs, up from 14% in 2020.

If you are still siting on the fence as far as embracing LED lighting is concerned, it’s about time you switch over. The move will save you money in the long run and also reduce your carbon footprint.

Just keep in mind that LEDs require a flow of consistent and constant current, at a precise voltage to maintain a consistent temperature. While LEDs don’t get hot as much as other light bulbs, they do get hot. The last thing you would want is to have your LEDs become too hot, because then the chances of poor performance or erratic behaviour shots up.

So, how can you ensure your LED lights consistently perform at their optimal level? The answer is LED drivers.

What does an LED driver do?

Broadly speaking, LED drivers have two main jobs.

1. Convert alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC)

2. Protect LED light bulbs from power surges, which can lead to overheating of your bulbs

In simple plain English, LED drivers manage the electric current that powers LED lights while acting as a potent buffer against power surges.

When is an LED driver needed?

Nearly all LED light bulbs require an LED driver. That said, some come with a built-in driver, meaning you don’t need to buy an external driver for them. Typically, the latest LED light bulbs designed for indoor use in homes have an integrated driver. However, for low-voltage, outdoor-rated lights you typically require a separate driver.

What happens if an LED light that require a separate driver doesn’t get one? Its performance and longevity will take a hit.

A word of caution: It’s usually not a great idea to use old drivers (i.e. those designed for incandescent bulbs) with LED bulbs. Even though some LEDs work with old drivers, you may encounter flickering, as well as performance related issues. Therefore, we recommend you use only high-quality LED drivers.

Do LED drivers are of different types?

Yes, they are. Broadly speaking, LED drivers are of two types: constant current LED driver and constant voltage LED driver.

Constant current LED driver

This type of driver adjusts the voltage, ensuring a consistent, stable electrical current. This setup guarantees that LEDs get a current at the specified level, unaffected by changes in voltage. Controlling the current provided to LEDs, in turn, helps mitigate the risk of thermal runaway, thereby prolonging the lifespan of your LEDs.

So, when do you need a constant current LED driver? You need it for powering the LED load directly.

Constant voltage LED driver

True to its name, this type of LED driver has a fixed voltage, which is 12VDC or 24VDC.

So, when is this driver needed? You need it with an LED light that requires a stable voltage. Generally, it is used with LEDs which have an in-built constant current driver to regulate the current. These LEDs only need a device that helps maintain a fixed voltage.

Now, we come to the all-important question: How does one pick the right LED driver?

Well, keep in mind the following tips and you’ll be fine.

Understand the voltage requirements. If your LED bulb requires 24-volt, get a 24V LED driver. Likewise, 12-volt LEDs need a 12V LED driver.
You should also pay attention to the your LED bulb’s wattage requirements. Your driver’s maximum wattage should be more than that of the LED bulb. In addition, say no to LED drivers that use less than 50% of their maximum wattage
Not all LED drivers may be dimmable. Check the product details on the packaging to ensure the driver is dimmable

You might be thinking: “Well, all this is good and dandy, but much of it went over my head as the information is too technical.” If that’s the case, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered. Speak to one our representatives and they’ll take time to understand your LED requirements and recommend the right LED driver (and other products) for you.